In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,

MARK 8:1KJV
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Mark 8:1 (KJV)

What does Mark 8:1 mean?

Mark 8:1 describes a time when a large crowd had gathered around Jesus, and they had nothing to eat. Jesus noticed their need and called his disciples to him to talk about the situation.

In this verse, Jesus is the one speaking, and he is addressing his disciples while surrounded by a great multitude of people. The setting is one of need, as the crowd has followed Jesus for some time and now lacks food. This moment sets the stage for what will become another miraculous feeding, showing Jesus’ awareness of people’s practical needs and his desire to involve his disciples in responding.

The Greek behind Mark 8:1

  • The word for “multitude” is ὄχλος (ochlos), which often means a large group or crowd, emphasizing just how many people were present.
  • The phrase “having nothing to eat” uses the Greek words μηδὲν (mēden, “nothing”) and φαγεῖν (phagein, “to eat”), highlighting the complete lack of food among the people, not just a shortage.
  • The verb προσκαλέω (proskaleō, “called”) shows Jesus intentionally summoning his disciples, suggesting he wants them to pay close attention and be involved in what is about to happen.

Why Mark 8:1 matters

  • Mark 8:1 makes clear that Jesus is attentive to both spiritual and physical needs, noticing when the crowd is hungry before anyone asks for help.
  • This verse introduces a familiar pattern in the Gospels where Jesus involves his disciples in caring for others, preparing them for active roles rather than just spectators.
  • The verse connects directly to the following miracle of feeding the multitude, helping readers see the compassion and practical wisdom in Jesus’ ministry.

Where else these words appear

“called” Greek G4341 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
  • Mark 7:14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
  • Acts 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

“eat” Greek G5315 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
  • Luke 7:36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.
  • John 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.